Transcript Highlights:

• The first one is to extend the sales tax, not just to software, but also to other digital goods, such
• The first one is to extend the sales tax, not just to software, but also to other digital goods, such
• So digital products broadly, so that could include, in addition to software, which is being proposed
• They don't tax digital infrastructure-type products. So we looked at their data.
• We understand that, you know, at yesterday's hearing, we talked about the state's own use of digital

Transcript Highlights:

• So taxation of pre-written digital software.
• The first is to extend the sales tax not just to software, but also to other digital goods, such as text
• So digital products broadly, so that could include, in addition to software, which is being proposed
• The proposal would increase costs on digital tools that California consumers, startups, and businesses
• The proposal would increase costs on digital tools that California consumers, startups, and businesses

Summary: The committee opened with the State Controller’s Office May Revision requests, including funding for Fiscal book-of-record stabilization, a Broadcom IDMS licensing adjustment, the California State Payroll System, ACFR reporting automation, and $3 million for unclaimed property outreach. Testimony emphasized progress on Fiscal becoming the state’s accounting book of record in July, faster ACFR publication, and the move to electronic unclaimed property claims. Members asked about the size of the unclaimed property fund and how quickly money is transferred to the General Fund; the Controller’s office said about $15 billion is held, with most excess transferred regularly, and the LAO noted the fund is the General Fund’s fourth-largest revenue source. No concerns were raised by Finance or the LAO, and the item was closed after no public comment. The committee then heard the administration’s proposal to tax prewritten digital software and software-as-a-service, with Finance saying it would modernize sales tax treatment and raise an estimated $450 million General Fund and $560 million local revenue in 2026-27. The LAO supported modernizing the tax but suggested broader digital goods coverage and a business-use exemption; industry and taxpayer groups opposed the proposal, warning of higher costs for consumers and businesses. Members also heard CDTFA’s administrative request tied to the proposal, plus a separate CDTFA budget reduction reflecting lower operational needs; that reduction was presented as a savings item and drew positive reactions. Next, the committee considered federal conformity for “Trump accounts,” which would align California tax treatment with federal rules for tax-deferred children’s accounts and avoid tracking burdens for families. The LAO recommended approval, and the item drew no opposition. The committee also heard a proposal to cut the first-year $800 annual business tax to $400 for LLCs, LPs, and LLPs; Finance argued it would lower startup costs and encourage new business formation, while the LAO said the benefit was not well targeted and could subsidize entities that would form anyway. Members discussed the policy tradeoff, and public commenters split between support for small business relief and concern about revenue loss. The final major revenue item was a permanent business tax credit limitation, capping credits at the greater of $5 million per corporation or 50% of pre-credit liability, while excluding the low-income housing tax credit and personal income tax credits. Finance said it would raise significant revenue from large profitable corporations, and the LAO said it was a reasonable option but noted it would mainly affect the R&D credit and could have future implications for programs like California Competes. Public testimony was sharply divided, with business groups opposing the cap and anti-poverty advocates supporting it as a way to recapture revenue. The committee also heard FTB’s CalFile realignment request, which would return most of the direct-file-related resources to the General Fund while retaining a smaller staff to improve CalFile, and the California Arts Council’s request to reauthorize the Keep Arts in Schools voluntary contribution fund, which members and advocates supported despite relatively modest annual donations. The hearing continued with GoBiz proposals on civic media funding, CA RISE reappropriation, and a semiconductor facility reversion, with the LAO supporting the latter two and members raising questions about the civic media program’s scope, outreach, and inclusion of broadcast and ethnic media.

Transcript Highlights:

• We, as I just mentioned, we did the process of just converting paper to digital.
• You are able to digitize all the maps. What safeguards and security...
• If this is all digitized and A lot has happened since, you know, the 1800s when they had the original
• In some cases, they may be a little more accurate than what we've got digitized, but it's always good
• We have to use digital technology to make good decisions. our physical infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Via digital download, which is the BARD system, which is...
• And that's in addition to the UC Berkeley digitization efforts?
• Anyone else can come and use services on site or digitally.
• Anyone else can come and use services on site or digitally.
• At one point, we were able to get the digital copies for people to use, but not anymore.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met to review CSU and State Library budget issues, enrollment trends, the Capital Fellows program, and a Title IX update. Chair David Alvarez opened by stressing that CSU faces serious financial pressure, including a systemwide deficit and proposed cuts that he and several members said were too large and likely to harm access, course offerings, and student services. Public comment focused heavily on the Braille Institute Library, with patrons, staff, veterans, and advocates urging restoration of funding and warning that the proposed cut would severely affect blind and visually impaired Californians across Southern California. Several CSU faculty, staff, and union representatives also opposed the proposed reductions and warned of larger class sizes, fewer sections, and layoffs. On the CSU core operations item, the Department of Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to reduce ongoing General Fund support by about $375 million and defer a 5% base increase, while the LAO said CSU core funding would be roughly flat once tuition and targeted augmentations were considered, but warned that rising costs and prior shortfalls would still force campuses to cut spending. CSU’s Chancellor’s Office said the proposed cut would deepen existing problems, citing prior-year budget gaps, job losses, reduced course sections, and student-service reductions. Members pressed Finance and the LAO on whether cuts could be made more surgically, especially at the Chancellor’s Office or in institutional support rather than in instruction, and the LAO said the Legislature has flexibility to target cuts more specifically. CSU also described ongoing consolidation efforts, including shared services among campuses and the planned Cal Maritime/Cal Poly San Luis Obispo integration, while cautioning that savings are not yet fully known. The committee then discussed CSU enrollment. The LAO recommended holding enrollment targets flat because the budget does not add new funding, while CSU reported strong recent growth, including more California residents, record first-year enrollment, and expanded direct admissions and transfer pathways. Members questioned why some campuses with high demand turn away many applicants while others continue to lose enrollment, and CSU said it is shifting resources from campuses with sustained declines to those with demand, using a 10% below-target threshold. The committee also discussed whether enrollment declines mirror local population trends, how to improve marketing and program alignment, and whether lessons from Cal Poly Humboldt’s conversion could inform other campuses such as Sonoma State. The Capital Fellows item drew a Finance proposal for a salary increase and an LAO counterproposal for a smaller raise plus future COLA language; the committee kept the item open. Finally, CSU reported progress on Title IX compliance, saying it has completed most State Auditor recommendations, expanded civil rights staffing, and increased training, prevention, and case-management efforts, though members asked how proposed budget cuts might affect those services.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, our current laws don't address the unique conflicts of interest that can arise with new digital
• power and influence of our offices to enrich themselves through the creation or promotion of certain digital
• This legislation does not prevent lawmakers from owning cryptocurrency or other digital assets.
• different: a public official using their office to issue, create, sponsor, endorse, or promote a digital
• Fairness, transparency, and consumer protections are principles that should apply in today’s digital

Summary: The House convened, approved a prior journal, confirmed a quorum, and received several bill referrals and calendar motions before moving into caucus and committee announcements. Members also welcomed a number of guests and student visitors to the chamber. After recess, the House resumed with committee reports from Appropriations and Rules, agreeing to re-reported bills including House Bills 1006, 106, 2014, 2037, 2460, 2512, 2559, 2644, 733, 2455, 2499, and 2529. The chamber adopted two resolutions: House Resolution 462 designating May 17, 2026, as World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day, and House Resolution 553 designating May 19, 2026, as Pontian Greek Genocide Remembrance Day. Both sponsors spoke in support, with the NF resolution emphasizing awareness, diagnosis, and research, and the Pontian Greek resolution focusing on remembrance of historical persecution and ethnic violence. The House also passed several bills on final consideration, including House Bill 2014 on opportunities for minors in emergency service organizations, House Bill 2037 on cryptocurrency-related ethics restrictions, House Bill 2512 on rideshare pricing protections, House Bill 2644 on legislative authorization for capital bridge projects, and House Bill 2559 on state property conveyances. Amendments were considered on several measures. On House Bill 2359, which prohibits government agencies from entering nondisclosure agreements related to data centers, one amendment requiring hyperscale data centers to pay their own energy costs failed on a 101-101 tie, another amendment making the bill effective immediately was adopted, and a third amendment protecting trade secrets failed. On House Bill 779 regarding abusive towing practices, an agreed-to amendment was adopted. House Bill 733 modernizing marriage ceremony law, Senate Bill 1294 on penalties for unlicensed commercial driving schools, and Senate Bill 1259 clarifying parole record privilege and access were agreed to, and House Bill 2499 concerning the State Workers Insurance Fund and Investment Authority was also advanced. The House then recommitted several bills to Appropriations, removed others from the tabled calendar, and adjourned until June 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, SB 1432, central bank digital currency ban, passed committee on a party-line vote
• Madam Chair, members, SB 1649, digital assets strategic reserve fund, passed committee on a party-line
• Madam Chair members, SB 1432, central bank digital currency ban.
• Madam Chair, Member, Senate bill, 1649 digital assets. Wait, 1515. Oh, sorry. So, so sorry.
• Madam Chair members SB 1649 digital assets strategic reserve fund passed committee on a party line vote

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills, with members instructed to move quickly, note short titles, and pull only selected measures from consent. Many bills were reported as passing committee on party-line votes or with split votes, while others were unanimous. Several members repeatedly requested bills be pulled from consent, especially on contentious topics such as artificial intelligence content verification, gender transition procedures provider liability, vaccine reimbursement rates, light rail expansion feasibility, public employee merit hiring, health board evaluations, rural health funding, patient steering, DCS policies, school safety, virtual currency payments, undocumented immigrants’ financial services, central bank digital currency, and various criminal justice and education measures. A number of bills drew brief substantive comments or objections. One member criticized SB 1015 on Trans Visibility Day. Another raised concerns about fingerprinting requirements for behavioral health facilities, arguing similar safeguards should apply to universal voucher programs. Judiciary-related bills also prompted strong reactions, including measures on narcotics sentencing for minors, probation and immigration notification, crimes against children monitoring, and a death penalty bill involving firing squad, which drew an explicit objection for the record. Several bills were flagged because of split votes, Democratic no votes, or concerns about funding, constitutional issues, or policy consistency. The caucus also discussed a blue-sheet amendment to HB 2874 on campaign committee termination statements and penalties. Members asked about the retroactive date, the size of outstanding fines, the Secretary of State’s position, and who offered the Senate amendment. Supporters described it as a cleanup bill that would help committees close out old accounts, while others questioned the retroactive scope and financial impact. The chair ultimately announced that Mr. Winninger was refusing the Senate amendment, so final passage would not occur that day and the measure would instead go to conference committee or remain unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• as the constituency, Oklahomans, to be able to add your driver's license to your wallet, like your digital
• You do it just like you do your credit cards if you put your credit cards into your digital wallets,
• In my notes, I referred to this as digital driver's license 2.0.
• When we started the digital thing, it was a platform to kind of test it and see.
• The other question then I've got is related to integration with Apple and Google, the two primary digital

Bills: HB3015 , HB3114 , HB3411 , HB3567 , HB3568 , HB3749 , HB3891 , HB4229 , HB4237 , HB4253 , HJR1019 , HJR1046 , HJR1084

Committee: House Rules

Summary: The committee first announced that House Bills 3568 and 3891 and H.J.R. 1019 would be laid over and not heard that day. It then took up a series of bills, adopting PCS versions where offered and generally moving them forward with do-pass recommendations. House Bill 3015 would allow Oklahomans to add a driver’s license to a digital wallet and use it as an optional credential; members questioned why legislation was needed now versus the 2019 digital ID effort and whether the state would work directly with Apple and Google rather than a third-party vendor. The bill passed 10-0. Other measures included House Bill 314, which adds a DOC electronic monitoring ineligibility item; House Bill 3567, which increases transparency in campaign fund use and was amended to correct a citation; House Bill 3749, which lets county clerks, county court clerks, and county commissioners retain outside counsel; House Bill 4229, which narrows when schools may declare emergencies for contracts when facilities are unusable; and House Bill 4237, which modernizes collection of criminal court fees, fines, and costs. Each of these bills advanced, with HB 3749 drawing the most discussion over whether it duplicates district attorney services and whether county commissioners would be approving their own outside-counsel contracts. The committee also advanced House Bill 4253, a union-related bill that the author said he was carrying as a vehicle and would substantially revise before final passage; members discussed federal labor-law concerns and the bill passed 10-0. House Joint Resolution 1046 would exempt homeowners from property tax for a year if a residence is uninhabitable for six months after a disaster; members debated the impact on local tax bases and whether existing ad valorem refund mechanisms should be used instead, and it passed 10-0. House Joint Resolution 1084, which states that Oklahoma and U.S. constitutional standards govern courtroom matters and no court should enforce incompatible religious law, passed 8-2 after questions about whether it addressed a current problem. Finally, House Bill 3411 on biosolids and PFAS testing would require DEQ testing and disclosure to landowners and authorize treatment protocols; it passed 9-1. The meeting ended with notice that the next rules meeting was moved to Thursday at 11:30 in a different room due to technical difficulties.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you do not know what a stablecoin is, think of it as a digital version of a dollar.
• He argued that the dollar is already digitized and that the government could use stablecoin to shut individuals
• He said there is no real distinction between a digital dollar and the stablecoin scheme being proposed
• He said he does not think there is a digital dollar, and if the discussion is about a U.S. currency that
• is digitized, he said they have been adamantly against that.

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, currently and in the past, I'm wondering if you do any work on digital accessibility.
• 26th this year for both federal requirements, as well as Massachusetts state requirements around digital
• So, you know, currently in the past, I'm wondering if you do any work on digital accessibility.
• this year for both federal requirements as well as state of Massachusetts has requirements around digital
• accessibility as well. has requirements around digital accessibility as well.

Summary: The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with roll call, approved prior meeting minutes, and began with an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall about every individual mattering and making a difference. Members introduced themselves and described their roles in disability services, workforce policy, accessibility, and advocacy. The committee then welcomed Katia Alpanis and Dina Klumkina from the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED), who explained that SEED provides technical assistance, research, peer-state examples, and policy support to help states improve disability employment outcomes. SEED presented seven broad policy areas where states are active: career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health supports, stay-at-work/return-to-work programs, employer recruitment and accommodation supports, entrepreneurship and disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state-as-model-employer initiatives. They shared examples from other states, including scholarship and transition policies, peer support training, accommodation funds, procurement goals, and state hiring strategies. Members asked about SEED’s role in Massachusetts, digital accessibility, and the status of PEAT; SEED said PEAT has been refunded and that SEED’s role is policy-focused rather than implementation-focused, though it can connect Massachusetts with peer states and examples. The discussion then narrowed to two possible Massachusetts projects: developing a state-as-model-employer roadmap and creating a youth/young-adult employment and volunteer pipeline, especially for transition-age individuals. Members noted related state efforts, including the governor’s executive order reestablishing a disability policy subcommittee, the commission’s Meeting the Moment series, and the need to help people navigate upcoming work requirements and transition cliffs. SEED agreed to follow up with a questionnaire and draft briefs on Massachusetts analysis, career readiness, and state-as-model-employer policies, and the group planned an offline follow-up to define priorities and scope.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1994, we made a change to go to a digital society, where now we have digital entries of ownership,
• and depending on who has control of those digital book entries, that entity now has been given control

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• When we talk about closing the digital divide, it's not just about funding new networks.
• When we talk about closing the digital divide, it's not just about funding new networks.
• When we talk about closing the digital divide, it's not just about funding new networks.
• When we talk about closing the digital divide, it's not just about funding new networks.
• ><c> also</c> The Digital Applications Act also The Digital Applications Act also reflects<04:37:11.961

Bills: HR831 , HB6380 , HR528 , HB2196 , HB5729 , HB5254 , HB4294 , HB3073 , HB2294 , HB1665 , HB4284 , HB4467 , HB2709 , HB1422 , SB1884 , SB3971

Keywords: Down syndrome, awareness month, federal funding, research, advocacy, healthcare, quality of life, disabilities, Vietnam veterans, recognition, freedom, democracy, military service, Save Our Sequoias Act, giant sequoia, giant sequoias, Sequoiadendron giganteum, California forests, wildfire resilience, forest management

Transcript Highlights:

• Infrastructure matters even more in seasonal communities: roads, waterways, housing, digital infrastructure
• Digital infrastructure all shapes the future of our communities.
• For the last three... data analytics, digital services, and more.
• This administration recognizes the critical role Digital government experience.
• accessibility standards for state digital assets.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> local broadcasters who use digital local broadcasters who use digital platforms<00:23:02.080><c>
• Thousands of local retailers, restaurants, and service providers use affordable digital ads to reach
• I've written extensively on policy and legal issues relating to digital taxation, and I'm honored to
• If it applies only to digital commerce and it does not apply to a similar offline activity.
• Also, Maryland's digital ads tax is continuing with no final resolution.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 314 on issuers of digital assets by Senator Burton.
• As the digital economy grows, states across the nation are exploring new tools to make payments faster
• This bill positions Florida as a pioneer in responsible digital currency use, allowing the state to explore
• It provides DFS with the authority to have a state-designated digital wallet and convert stablecoin payments
• Provides DFS with the authority to have a state-designated digital wallet and convert stable coin payments

Bills: S0158 , S0314 , S0618 , S0684 , S0838 , S0990 , S1000 , S1082 , S1452 , S1494 , S1500 , S1568 , S1706

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee heard and advanced a wide range of insurance, financial services, and probate bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1000 on trust fund interest for attorney trust accounts was explained as setting a floor and ceiling tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate and was reported favorably. The committee then took up CS/SB 1082 on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program for emergency out-of-network claims. After extensive discussion about the relationship between the state and federal No Surprises Act processes, an amendment was withdrawn due to concerns about clarity and scope, but the bill itself was supported by providers and insurers and was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 684 on electronic signatures for total loss vehicles and vessels, CS/SB 158 on pet insurance consumer disclosures and agent education, SB 1494 expanding breast cancer screening coverage, CS/SB 314 on digital assets and stablecoin issuers, and CS/SB 1500 on uncontested probate procedures and small-estate administration. SB 618 on workers’ compensation insurance was amended to raise the consent-to-rate cap for workers’ compensation policies from 10% to 20% and then reported favorably, with supporters saying it would help keep higher-risk employers in the voluntary market. CS/SB 1568 creating a Florida Stablecoin Pilot Program was amended to remove authority for a Florida coin and limit the program to existing stablecoins, then passed. Later, the committee approved CS/SB 838 on electronic payment convenience fees for retail installment contracts, with the sponsor emphasizing that a fee-free payment option must still be offered. SB 1452, the Department of Financial Services agency bill, was amended and reported favorably; it covered My Safe Florida Home administration, insurance and licensing changes, unclaimed property updates, and other DFS-related provisions. The committee also passed SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, targeting owner-occupied condominiums at or below 80% of area median income, and SB 990 on protected cell captive insurance companies, which supporters said would modernize Florida’s captive insurance laws and encourage more competition. The meeting ended with all listed bills reported favorably and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education to establish and maintain a centralized system that integrates panic alert systems and digital
• system must receive and process alerts from the department-approved panic alert systems, integrate digital
• going forward to ensure that we have a centralized system to integrate all panic alert systems and digital
• going forward to ensure that we have a centralized system to integrate all panic alert systems and digital

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K through 12 Education met with a quorum present and took up three bills. SB 1618, by Senator Calatayud, was presented as a broad education package affecting VPK through grade 12. It included changes to VPK enrollment flexibility, repeal of the Council for Early Grade Success, agriculture and financial literacy curriculum updates, reading intervention requirements, limits on certain public-school spending, corporal punishment consent, educator certification and screening provisions, and changes to the school recognition program. A late-filed technical amendment clarifying prior legislation for certain private schools in Brevard, Clay, Sarasota, and Bradford counties was adopted. Senator Osgood raised concerns about the bill’s school recognition provisions and the impact on paraprofessionals and other support staff, and the sponsor said she would continue those discussions. SB 1618, as amended, was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 1058, which would update Florida references from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in state, district, and charter school materials beginning after July 1, 2025, without requiring existing materials to be changed. The bill was presented by Senator Calatayud on behalf of Senator Gruters and was reported favorably without amendment or opposition. Next, the committee heard CS for SB 1470 on school safety, which would align school security guard training with guardian program requirements, refine locked campus and classroom rules, and improve panic alert and digital map coordination. Several amendments were adopted, including a late-filed amendment capping guardian training fees, creating a stakeholder work group for a Florida Institute of School Safety, adjusting locked-zone requirements and exceptions, requiring substitute teachers to receive safety protocol training, and a funding amendment providing $450,000 in recurring funds for a centralized panic alert and digital map system. Support was voiced by school district, sheriff, and safety representatives, and Senator Osgood praised the recurring funding as avoiding an unfunded mandate. The committee also passed SB 1472, linked to SB 1470, extending a public records exemption to school security guards’ records held by FDLE, with the exemption set to sunset in 2030 unless renewed. President Gaetz questioned the need for the exemption, and Senator Burgess responded that it was intended to protect school safety personnel from exposure of personal information after an incident. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• to charter school procurement, House No. 3423, and the House bill for uniform fiduciary access to digital
• For uniform fiduciary access to digital assets, House No. 4639. Mr.
• relative to charter school procurement, House No. 3423, and an act for uniform fiduciary access to digital

Summary: The House convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and first concurred in a Senate petition from Michael O’More seeking legislation to prohibit denials of certain health care payments, which was referred under suspension of Joint Rule 12 to the Committee on Financial Services. The Committee on Steering Policy and Scheduling then recommended several bills for House consideration, including measures on privileged communication between labor organizations and individuals, the Board of Registration of Naturopathy, the fifth member of the public employee retirement systems, charter school procurement, and uniform fiduciary access to digital assets. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered these bills to a third reading, and later took up engrossed bills on affordable car rentals (Senate 2616) and expanding Marblehead’s Board of Health (House 3912), passing both to be enacted. The House also considered House 4401, relating to certain special revolving funds in the town of Athol, after it was released by the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. That bill was passed to be engrossed. No debate or recorded opposition was noted on the measures considered; actions were taken by voice vote with the ayes prevailing throughout. At the close of business, the House adopted an order to adjourn until 11 a.m. the next day, and then adjourned accordingly. A Democratic caucus was announced for 11 a.m. in rooms A.1 and A.2.

Transcript Highlights:

• As part of universal service, to continue closing the digital divide, the PUC approved multiple decisions
• And 10 years, 15 years down the road, how do you hope that that will impact that disparity from the digital
• equity providers that we have, that want to be able to make... ...the digital equity providers that
• And we established a task force to close the digital divide, and it was able to get donations of hotspots
• And we established a task force to close the digital divide, and it was able to get donations of hotspots

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Transcript Highlights:

• about the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, which represents California's commitment to closing the digital
• Californians have access to high-speed, affordable broadband services to take full advantage of our digital
• Californians have access to high-speed affordable broadband services to take full advantage of our digital
• The California Alliance for Digital Equity, but there are a couple items that we would like to work with
• The agency is contracting with CDT's Office of Digital Services to provide direct technology development

Summary: The subcommittee held an informational budget hearing covering several GovOps, CDT, CPPA, and DGS items. GovOps reported that most deliverables under the Governor’s generative AI executive order have been completed, including guidelines, procurement tools, community-impact guidance, and a new project delivery lifecycle for Gen AI projects; one workforce-related deliverable remains. Members and public commenters raised concerns about privacy, labor impacts, and how the state will explain and oversee Gen AI use. The committee also heard a proposal to create a California Education Interagency Council with $5 million ongoing and 16 positions to coordinate workforce and education systems; LAO questioned duplication and recommended limited-term funding, while supporters said a neutral convening body is needed to improve coordination and student outcomes. GoServe presented the College Corps budget proposals, describing the program as a paid service and career-development opportunity for undergraduate students that helps reduce college costs while supporting communities through tutoring, food insecurity work, climate and disaster response, and other service. The administration sought one-time and ongoing funding to expand the program to more campuses and students, while LAO objected to the high administrative costs and recommended rejection. Several students and alumni testified that College Corps provided financial support, professional experience, and career pathways. The committee also heard a $5 million proposal for a Belonging Campaign to address loneliness and social isolation through research, outreach, and local grants; LAO said the proposal lacked clear goals and measures, while supporters said the effort is needed for youth, seniors, and community resilience. The Department of Technology updated the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, saying construction is underway on the statewide open-access network and the project remains on track for the 2026 deadline, though LAO noted a required business plan had not yet been submitted. The California Privacy Protection Agency presented its Delete Act implementation request for the DROP platform, which will let consumers request deletion of personal information held by data brokers; LAO flagged oversight concerns because CDT is both developing the system and involved in project support. Public commenters from business groups urged caution on CPPA’s rulemakings, warning of compliance costs and job impacts. The Department of General Services then discussed implementation of Proposition 2 school facilities bonds, requesting staffing and administrative funding to manage the new bond program and continue school facility work. Officials said the program can also help districts affected by the January wildfires, including interim site funding and expedited assistance. Finally, DGS requested authority and positions to operate Building 18 for labor-agency tenants relocating from older Capitol Mall space; SEIU Local 1000 criticized the state’s four-day return-to-office policy and said telework has improved productivity and retention. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and member questions on each item.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND THROUGH THE VENDORS WE HAVE HIRED WE HAVE DIGITIZED THAT AND WE ACTUALLY HAVE THIS DATA IN A DIGITAL
• IT IS NOT A DIGITAL FORM. THERE IS NO DATA COLLECTED COHESIVELY AROUND THE PROGRAM.
• WE TRY TO GET EVERYTHING DIGITAL.
• BECAUSE IF WE GET IT DIGITALLY WE GET IT FASTER AND BECAUSE RIGHT NOW AT THE GOVERNMENT IT'S BECAUSE
• AND THEY CANNOT DO THE DIGITAL.

Transcript Highlights:

• asset mining business and to amend the authority of a local government with respect to a digital asset
• Resolution 8 by Senator King to authorize the introduction of a non-appropriation bill to require a digital
• non-appropriation bill to prohibit the use of a computer manufactured by a covered foreign entity in digital
• asset mining and prohibit the use of certain software in digital asset mining.
• asset mining. and digital asset mining.